Sugar Loaf Bluff (MN) Hike

One of the most iconic sights in the Winona area is the distinctive shape of the quarried top of Sugar Loaf Bluff. It is also a favorite destination hike for both Winona residents and out-of-towners. I first hiked this trail with our Driftless Drifters hiking club*, based in La Crescent MN.

The trailhead
Image - Marge Loch-Wouters

The bluff rises over 500 feet above the city and it's 2.2-3 miles of trails are part of the City of Winona Park and Rec Department. The trailhead is located just behind the Edina Realty on East Lake Blvd. The trail immediately starts with a steep climb up a grassy area and into the woods. 

Trillium on the trail
Image -Marge Loch-Wouters

There are abundant wildflowers in this hardwood forest. The elevation gain is swift with few switchbacks to give respite to the relentless elevation gain. Luckily, those flowers and insect life let you rest and observe along the way.

The final part of the trail narrows and is extremely sandy. It makes for a good challenge (imagine walking up a sand dune). Before you know it, you are up to the 85 foot "loaf" at the top.

Sugar Loaf
Image - Marge Loch-Wouters

Once up around the base of the loaf, you can explore multiple small trails with spectacular views of the city and countryside surrounding Winona. 

Winona through a peephole
Image - Marge Loch-Wouters

As you descend, take a left on the fork in the trail and follow that trail to another quarry wall that is flooded to create an ice-climbing park in the winter. There is yet another trail spur that takes you on top of that quarry until you reach the park limits and head back.

Ice Park signage
Image Marge Loch-Wouters

THE HIKE

If you don't mind a crowd during any day of the week (but especially on weekends), this is a great hike to do for the reward of the top and the beautiful flora along the trails. The fairly constant elevation gain of just under 400 feet to the top, makes this a challenging hike for those in good shape. The trails at the top afford spectacular views of the city and surrounding bluffs. Weekends and summer weekdays bring rock climbers up to climb the "loaf".  Winter means lots of ice climbers on the trails.

Location - 825 E. Lake Blvd, Winona, MN

The trailhead begins from the Edina Realty parking lot (park by the stone wall only). Additional parking is along the street.

The trail back
Image Marge Loch-Wouters

* The Driftless Drifters is a member-led hiking club program sponsored through the La Crescent-Hokah Community Education Department of MN ISD 300. Begun in 2021, the group goes on weekly "under 5 mile" hikes around the Driftless area and weekly "Ambles - shorter hikes on flat surfaces for hikers looking for a slower pace. All hikes feature learning opportunities as they identify flora, fauna and fungi around the area. New members are welcome - the fee for the club is $14 /yr (July through June). Members have access to a weekly newsletter with hike locations and tips as well as additional pop-up hikes. Contact Community Ed at 507 895-5150 to join.